Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/720648
" E tutto nei dettagli," said Brunello Cucinelli — "It's all in the details," per his translator, Chiara Serafin. Walking through Stanley Korshak with Crawford Brock on his left and his elegant wife, Federica Cucinelli, on his right, the designer described the importance of building a label with a responsible corporate culture. (His company is lauded for its well-treated workforce and the use of profits to restore the Italian hamlet of Solomeo — the medieval home of the Cucinelli clothing empire.) Fresh off the heels of speaking at the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit in San Francisco — and a quick catch-up with Howard Schultz of Starbucks — Cucinelli flew to Dallas to be the honored guest at an intimate dinner hosted by longtime friends Janet and Crawford Brock. "The first time I saw him," said Cucinelli of Brock, "he really looked like Paul Newman." So began the double-decades- long relationship between the fashion designer and devoted retailer. Arriving with the guest of honor were Brunello Cucinelli president Massimo Caronna, senior communications consultant Giorgiana Magnolfi, and e-commerce director Francesco Bottigliero. The evening began with a tour of the store, including a look at the Cucinelli-dressed store windows, and culminated in a four-course dinner in the garden room of the Crescent Hotel. The Korshak team enlisted Alberto Lombardi and his wife Vivian of Lombardi Family Concepts to craft an Umbrian menu for Cucinelli customers Cami and John Goff, Diane and Daryl Johnston, Ann and David Sutherland, Brill and Jason Garrett, Tucker Enthoven, Suzanne Kriscunas, Terri and Bobby Brittingham, Robin and Bernay Box, Nancy Perot, Maria and Jock Stafford, and Jan Miller and Jeff Rich. Near the end of the night, Brock presented a portrait of Cucinelli painted by Miami-based contemporary artist Charlie Hanavich. The artist, whose work is heavily influenced by Chuck Close, was commissioned by Brock to use — what else? — only the customarily neutral Cucinelli colors for the palette. Contributing style editor Brooke Hortenstine dines with debonair Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli at Stanley Korshak. Next stop? Solomeo. MAMBO ITALIANO 58 Massimo Caronna Brunello Cucinelli Alberto Lombardi Federica Cucinelli Cami & John Goff Brooke Hortenstine Francesca Pittaluga Vivian Lombardi Suzanne Kriscunas Marina Gray Beth Ewing Suzy Kriscunas David & Ann Sutherland Shawn Rao Justin Magnuson Jeff Pollacktz Trena Ritz Rose Clark Nancy Perot Janet & Crawford Brock Davide Baroncini Dennis Van Heck Rose Clark Jan Miller Diane & Daryl Johnston Jake Harris Madeline Thagard Helen Brock Haley Albright